first lady michele obama is the head speaker as the dnc opens tonight in char not, north carolina -- charlotte, north carolina. >> reporter: democrats will fill this hall later today to begin the three-day process of renominating president the obama. >> we just want to be here. this is history. >> reporter: delegates will approve their party platform. then hear from a long list of speakers portraying president obama as the wise and humane alternative to mitt romney. michele obama's speech will be the final address tonight. >> i'm looking forward to hearing the first lady. i think she's dynamic and i'm just excited. >> i'm sure she will connect with us and we'll connect with her as we always do. >> reporter: president obama is not expected to be here when his wife speaks. they say he will watch from the white house. this afternoon the president holds a rally in norfolk, virginia. on labor day he told auto workers in ohio they are better off thanks to his administration's auto industry bailout. >> i believed in you. i bet on you. i'll make that bet any day of the week. >> reporter: but